What can you do at home to manage your pain? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physicians share some simple ways that can help quickly ease common pains such as headaches, stiff neck and shoulders, lower back pain, trigger finger, heel pain, and menstrual cramps.
What Causes Pain in TCM Term?
According to TCM theory, the human body has twelve meridians, each connected to one of the twelve organs. Meridians are regarded as the channels that regulate the flow of Qi, connect organs, and link the surface of the body with its internal parts. They serve as a regulatory system for the body’s functions. The proper functioning of meridians influences the circulation of blood and Qi in the body, and when the meridians are blocked, pain can occur. Pain is often caused by some form of blockage in the meridians.
The common root cause of pain issues is often dampness and cold, which can result from the surrounding environment (such as air conditioning) or excessive consumption of cold drinks and foods. The overall idea of treating pain issues caused by a cold is to provide warmth. Heat can help improve blood circulation, dispel colds, and open up the meridians.
Acupressure Points and Lifestyle Changes to Ease Pain
A simple way to ease pain is to stimulate acupressure points that can be easily reached. Press firmly on these points with your fingers for one to two minutes. You may feel pain and intense sensations. Take deep breaths and relax while stimulating the points. For optimal results, remember to press them daily.
In addition to these specific guidelines, it is important to avoid cold drinks, ice cream, cold vegetables (such as bitter gourd and cabbage), and cold fruits (such as watermelon, pineapple, and kiwi).
Stiff Neck or Lower Back Pain
- Apply a heat pack to the painful area until the pain subsides. If a heat pack is not available, a hairdryer can also be used.
- Apply some rheumatism ointment and use a porcelain spoon for simple gua sha until the spots turn slightly red.
- For lower back pain, acupressure on the acupoint(Yao Tong Dian)may also help alleviate the
Location: This is a paired point. On the back of the hand, find the midpoint between the wrist crease and the knuckles of the fingers. These points are between the second and third metacarpal bones (fingers) and between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones. There are four acupoints on both hands.
Trigger Finger and Heel pain
Prepare a bucket of warm water, soak hands and/or legs in the water, and gently move and stretch the affected areas until the water cools. It is recommended to do this daily before bedtime.
Menstrual Cramps
- Cover the abdominal area with a hot water bag.
- Applythe moxibustion “heat” therapy technique:
- Burn one end of the moxa stick.
- Hold it about 3cm above the skin and hover in a circular motion over the button area of the abdomen.
- Keep the moxa stick at a greater distance if it getstoo hot, and continue for about 10 minutes. Flick off any excess ashes to prevent them from forming blisters on the skin.
Headaches
Use these two acupoints to ease headaches:
Hegu (合谷) location: Between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of both hands, approximately in the middle of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side. Essentially, the sore point is between the first and second wedges. Note: Pregnant women should avoid this acupoint.
Zusanli (足三里) location: On the outer side of both legs, four finger widths below the lower border of the kneecap and one finger width from the shin bone.
Seeking long-term relief from pain? Our experienced TCM practitioners can provide treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and massage to address your pain concerns. Visit our TCM clinic in Dubai for more information.
